Cadets
Cadet Oath
    "I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation."
Oath of Enlistment (all branches, not National Guard): "I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

USAF Oath of Office: I, (Full Name) having been appointed a (Rank) in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, SO HELP ME GOD.

Available Opportunities
    The cadet program allows cadets to acquire values, skills, and experience in a variety of fields.
Values

 Integrity Respect
 Excellence Discipline
 Volunteer Service Confidence
Skills
 Followership Effective Studying Creative Analysis
 Leadership Stress Management Real-World Problem Solving
 Teamwork Teaching
 Physical Fitness Habits
 Listening
 Public Speaking

 Communication Abstract Thinking
Experience
 Aerospace Science Powered Flight Pararescue Aircraft Manufacturing
 Wilderness Survival
 Glider Piloting Aircraft Maintenance
 Field Medicine Meteorology Airline Career Space Command

Uniform
Where to Get Uniforms
Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
    At BXs: Must present current CAP ID card (and possibly photo ID)
    Mail-Order: Form 4150-134
    Phone Order: By credit card, uniform items only. Call AAFES Customer
     Service at 1-800-527-2345 and provide a copy of your membership card to
     enter the AAFES system.
Excess/Surplus Sources
Free, check with Squadron Supply (Logistics Officer) before purchasing uniform parts.

Free Cadet Basic Short-Sleeve Blues Uniform (Class Bs)
Uniform Manual (PDF File)
Gorilla Guide (Word Doc)
Squadron Provides
Slacks
    Navy blue
Shirt
    Light blue
    Short-sleeve
Belt
    Military style
    Navy blue
Buckle
    Silver tip
    Closed-face
Devices, etc
    Enlisted flight cap
    All ribbons
($0.60)
    Ribbon holders

    Grade insignia
    CAP device
    Cookie (device on enlisted/flight cap, officers wear grade)

Not Included
Shoes
    Black
    Patent leather
    Oxfords
   
Plain
    Round toe
Socks
    Black or blue
    Plain
Devices
    Nameplate
    Backing for devices
Note: Trouser measurements are for the waist only, all trousers are shipped "extra long"; hemming will most likely be necessary.


Basic BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform, Class Cs)

Squadron Provided
Cover ($6)
    SAR Orange
    Embroidered Black "1008"
    Ranger crease
Grade Insignia
Not Included

T-Shirt
    Non-Staff: Tan
    Staff: Orange
    No military creases
Blouse
    Long Sleeve
    Woodland green rip-stop cotton camouflage
    Single-breasted, four bellow pockets with flaps
    Side body panels (take-up tabs optional), s
traight-cut bottom sleeve tabs
Trousers
    Woodland green rip-stop cotton camouflage
    Front button closure, strap ankle adjustment
    Six pockets
Belt
    Dark blue
    1 1/4" wide
    Woven cotton web
    Solid or woven elastic
    Black metal tip
Buckle
    Black
    Open-faced
Combat Boots
    Black
    Smooth or scotch-grained leather or man-made material
    High gloss or patent finish
    Plain rounded or caped rounded toe
    Safety toe, zipper or elastic inserts, and perforated seam optional
    Plain black socks

Tips
Shirt and Slacks
    Crease precisely, always in the same exact place
    Dry clean or liquid starch only as needed
    Touch up with spray starch
    Hang-up correctly (trousers on trouser hangers with clips)
    Cut and melt the non-tipped edge of the belt to size (tip should line extend just past buckle)
Devices
    Center insignia and CAP device parallel to the collar and 1" above the edge     Measure 1" on your hand (usually around 2 fingers) to quickly place insignia
Shoes and Botos
    Maintain spit shine
    Use waxed black dress laces (for dress shoes, not combat boots)
    Tuck laces securely into shoes
Common Problems
    Gig line: inside of the vertical buttonhole edge, outside edge of the belt
        buckle, fly of slacks. Check as close to uniform inspection as possible and
        minimize movement.
    Creases: dry clean and/or liquid starch, heavily steam, then spray starch the
         entire area m
uch more than you think is necessary. Iron until completely
         dry; repeat. Crease should look like one layer of fabric with a
knife edge.
         Clean iron regularly.

    Measurements: measure nameplate, CAP device, and ribbon placement
        exactly.
When possible, touch-up iron around devices on shirt. Do not
        iron over devices or buttons.

    Iron problems: clean iron regularly to avoid starch buildup. Constantly move
        iron in regular pattern; never hold it still. The shirt material is much
        easier to crease than slacks. Iron any wrinkles out prior to creasing.
    Dirty: keep protected from dust/pet hair/etc at all possible times.
Tips for Women
    Shirts traditionally button opposite from men's
    Enlisted covers are open at the top
    Enlisted covers are not folded before slipped under belt (to store)
    Shoes are significantly inferior to men's; buy men's shoes


Chain of Command

    Every person has their own place in the chain of command, and no two people have the same place. Usually, the higher your CAP grade, the higher you are on the chain of command (rank). However, experience, expertise, availability, etc can alter that order. Also, "support staff" positions are not part of the chain of command and do not affect the person's place within it.
    Though the commander resides at the top of the chain, it's the other echelon that are usually in direct control of their subordinates, allowing the commander to preform other duties. For instance, cadet support staff report to the cadet executive officer.

Cadet Echelon Staff
    Cadet Commander
    Cadet Deputy Commander
    Cadet Executive Officer
Cadet Flight Staff
    Alpha Flight Commander
     Bravo, Charlie, etc
    Alpha Flight Sergeant
    1st Element Leader
    2nd Element Leader
     3rd, 4th, etc
Cadet Support Staff (include)
    Cadet Recruiting/Retention Officer
    Cadet Public Affairs Officer
    Cadet Administration Officer
    Cadet Inspection Officer
    Cadet Supply Officer


The NCO Support Channel

    The NCO support channel consists of the first sergeant, flight sergeants, and element leaders. At official "staff meetings", they discuss orders and their personnel's reactions to them. The propose solutions to minor issues and control routine but important actions.
    The first sergeant and the cadet commander communicate directly to discuss orders and and the unit's reaction to them. The cadet commander may change his/her orders based on the information the first sergeant receives from the support channel.
    The first sergeant learns the orders and reasons behind them from the cadet commander and transmits this information at the staff meetings to the support channel. He/She predicts minor problems and explains the cadet commander's orders to the support channel.


Promotion Requirements

    Cadets must pass several tests and participate actively in unit activities in order to be promoted.
    Each promotion requires a test of the cadet's leadership skills required to preform efficiently in their next grade. Most of these exams consist of multiple choice questions and also cover primary source special readings. Some promotions require a drill and/or ceremonies practical, essay and/or a comprehensive exam. These studies are divided into two volumes (enlisted and officer), and subdivided into chapters; most promotions require at least one or two chapters.
    For most grades, cadets must also take one or two exams an aerospace module,
which can be studied in any order. Some promotions require a comprehensive exam, speech, and/or one or more mentor- or instructor-ships.
    Every promotion requires a test of the cadet's physical fitness, with standards increasing between each subdivision of grades (airmen, junior NCOs, senior NCOs, field commissioned officers, company commissioned officers, and a seperate standard for highest, C/Col).
    Cadets must participate actively in unit activities by serving at least one non-meeting CAP event and attending at least one moral leadership lecture for each grade.
    Some promotions also require cadets to preform other deeds, including completing forms, writing reports, attending various schools, SDA staff service, and/or writing a moral leadership essay (C/Col).

Leadership Topics

Volume I
Followership
Communications
Drill and Ceremonies
The Role of the Noncommissioned Officer
Leadership Traits

Volume II
Officership
Management
Communications
Conflict Management
Problem Solving
Counseling

Drill and Ceremonies (Volume I, Chapters 1-5 of 7)

    Air Force Drill and Ceremonies Manual
    Civil Air Patrol Drill and Ceremonies Resource Page
Chapter 1
Stationary Drill Commands
 Attention Parade Rest
 Eyes Right
 Hand Salute
 At East
 Ready Front
 Present Arms
 About Face
 
 Order Arms
 Right (Left) Face
 
Movement Drill Commands
 Forward March
 Half Step
 To the Rear
 Quick Time
 Halt Right (Left) Flank
 Mark Time
 Right (Left) Step Route Step
Chapter 2
Assembling a Flight Drill Commands
 Fall In Count Off
 Dress Right Dress
 Open Ranks
 At Close Interval, Dress Right Dress
 Close Ranks
 Dress and Cover
 Dismissed
Movement Drill Commands
 Forward March
 Close March
 Column Right (Left)
 Extend March
 Column Half Right (Left)

Chapter 3
Modifying the Flight Drill Commands
 Forward March
 Close March
 Column Right (Left)
 Extend March
 Column Half Right (Left)

Chapter 4
Review of Flight Drill Commands
 Fall In
 Prepare for Inspection
 Facings, Flanks, Columns
 Column of Files
Chapter 5
Basic Ceremonies
 Retreat
 Reveille

Special Readings
Chapter 1
    Oath of Enlistment in the U.S. Air Force
    The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Honor Code
    Biography: Major General John F. Curry
        [No source cited]

Chapter 2
    "My Creed"
        From Contrails, Vol 33, p 198, United States Air Force Academy by Dean Alfonge
    Biography: General "Hap" Arnold
        [No sources cited]

Chapter 3
    "Are You a Boss or a Leader?"
        From Command Review, Vol. 1, No. 3 Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer
    "Tenets of Leadership"
        By General Robert D. Russ from Air War College, Resident and Associate Studies
    Biography: Mary Feik
        From Feik family sources and Maryland Aloft: A Celebration of Aviators, Airfields,
        and
Airspace by Edmund Preston, Barry A. Lanman, and John R. Breihan

    Biography: "Wilbur & Orville Write"
        From Asimov's Biographical Encyclopedia of Science and Technology by Isaac Asimov

Chapter 4
    "USAF Academy Duty Concept"
        From Contrails, Vol 3, United States Air Force Academy by Major Larry A. Smith
    Biography: "Eddie Rickenbacker"
        From Webster's American Military Biographies
    Biography: Bessie Colman
        [No sources cited]

Chapter 5
    Biography: Charles A. Lindbergh
        [No sources cited]
    Biography: Jacqueline Cochran
        [No sources cited]
    The Reason for Leadership
        Adapted for CAP from ECI Course 0008C, USAF Senior NCO Academy

Chapter 6
    Biography: "Gen. Douglas MacArthur"
       F
from Webster's American Military Biographies
    Lt Gen Jimmy Doolittle
        [No sources cited]
Chapter 7
    "Some Thoughts on Leadership"
        By Richard Lester
    "Dr. Robert H. Goddard"

        From Asimov's Biographical Encyclopedia of Science and Technology

    "Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell"
        From Webster's American Military Biographies


Physical Fitness

    The Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT) assesses curl ups, push ups,
sit-and-reach, the mile run and the shuttle run (30m). Cadets must pass at least one of the run tests and two of the other tests to pass the CPFT overall. Cadets participate in physical training (PT) at meetings twice a month and are expected to work on their own as well. Tests are adjusted for gender and age and are based on beating an increasing percentage of the original sample who took the test.
 Test Requirements: Page 32 (Second to Last)
    25%: Phase I--C/Amn to C/SSgt
    35%: Phase II--C/TSgt to C/SMSgt
    50%: Phase II--C/CMSgt to C/2Lt
    60% Phase III--C/1Lt to C/Cpt
    70% Phase IV--C/Maj to C/LtCol
    75% Spaatz Award: C/Col
Phases Explained on Page 22
The Waiver Request is on Page 30
    Check Page 6 for Description of Categories:
    Category I: Unrestricted
    Category II: Temporarily Restricted
    Category III: Partially Restricted
    Category IV: Indefinitely Restricted
Descriptions of Test Exercises Start on Page 23
Awards on Page 28-29

Other References:
    Page 13 for Suggested Stretches
    Page 15 for Suggested Calisthenics
    Page 18 for Grass Drills
    Page 22 for Standards/Phases
    Page 31 for Saftey Guidelines

Aerospace Education
Vocabulary for Mod 1: Introduction to Flight
Flight
 aero- air altitude drag static
 aerodynamics aircraft aviation dynamic supersonic
 aeronautics airfoil aviator leading edge
 thrust
 aerospace airplane camber lift trailing edge
 AGL airport chord relative wind
 wind
To Fly by the Lifting Power of Rising Air
 altitudedensitystability
 aspect ratio
lapse ratetow plane
 convectionglide ratiowave
 densitysoaring
glide ratiospan
Balloons - They Create Their Own Thermals
 balloon envelope
 propane
 burner gore wicker
 buoyancy Montgolfier
 crown parachute panel
Vocabulary for Mod 2: Aircraft Systems and Airports
Airport Systems
 powerplant combustion chamber rich mixture
 reciprocating stroke lean mixture
 cycle compression fuel
 combustion stoichiometric meter/metering
Airports
 ATC heading
 beacon noise abatement 
 controlled airport
 ramp
 control tower
 runway

 course
 runway heading

 FAA
 segmented circle
 FSS - Flight Service Station


Airport to Airport Aeronautical Charts
 cartography legend nautical mile
scale 
 chart line of position (LOP)
 projection statute mile
 fix longitude relief tick
 latitude map sectional WAC
Vocabulary for Mod 3: Air Environment
Air Circulation
 autumnal (fall) equinox rotation
 coriolis force summer solstice
 jet stream vernal (spring) equinox
revolution
Weather Elements
 atmospheric pressure temperature
 Beaufort Scale wind
 heat 
Moisture and Clouds
 condensation precipitation
 dew point saturation
 fog relative humidity
Weather Systems and Changes
 air mass
 thunderstorm
 front
 tornado
 hurricane 
Vocabulary for Mod 4: Rockets
History of Rockets
 Niel ArmstrongJohn Glen Hermann Oberth
 Roger BaconRobert Goddard Alan Shepard 
 Wernher con BraunWilliam Hale Skylab 
 William CongreveHero Space Shuttle 
 Jean FroissartSergei Korolev Sputnik I 
 Yuri GagarinSir Isaac Newton Konstantin Tsiolkovsky
Rocket Principals
 acceleration Newton's Second Law of Motion
 inertia Newton's Third Law of Motion
 Newton's First Law of Motion
Rocket Systems and Controls
  airframe  guidance
  propulsion
  control system
  payload
  thrust
Vocabulary for Mod 5: Space Environment
Solar System
 solar system
 meteoroid solar prominences
 comet meteor sunspots
 asteroid solar flares 
Space
 black hole
 interstellar space star
 cislunar microgravity universe
 constellation nebulae
 galaxy pulsar
 interplanetary space space
Vocabulary for Mod 6: Spacecraft
Unmanned Spacecraft
 satellite COMSAT
 orbit INTELSAT
 apogee
 NAVSTAR
 perigee
 LANDSAT
 Sputnik GOES
Manned Spacecraft
 Mercury Skylab
 Gemini Apollo-Soyuz
 Apollo Space Shuttle
Living and Working in Space
 Space Station Alpha
 Skylab
 Mir Spacelab
 Salyut

Grade Requirements
C/ABNone
C/AmnLeadership Ch. 1
(No AE Mod)
C/A1CLeadership Ch. 2
AE Mod
C/SrALeadership Ch. 3
AE Mod
C/SSgtComprehensive Leadership Exam on Ch. 1 to Ch. 3
(No AE Mod)
CAPF 52-1
C/TSgt Leadership Ch. 4
AE Mod
C/MSgtLeadership Ch. 5
AE Mod
C/SMSgtLeadership Ch. 6
AE Mod
C/CMSgtLeadership Ch. 7
AE Mod
C/2LtLeadership Essay
Comprehensive Leadership Exam on Ch. 1 to Ch. 7
AE Speech
Comprehensive AE Exam
AE Mentor
Encampment
CAPF 52-2
C/1LtLeadership Ch. 8 and Ch. 9
2 AE Tests
2 AE Mentors
2 SDA Reports
C/CptLeadership Ch. 10
Comprehensive Leadership Exam on Ch. 1 to Ch. 10
2 AE Tests
2 AE Mentors
2 SDA Reports
CAPF 52-3
C/MajLeadership Ch. 11, Ch. 12, and Ch. 13
AE Test
3 AE Instructors
3 SDA Reports
C/LtColLeadership Ch. 14 and Ch. 15
Leadership Essay
2 AE Tests and Speech
3 AE Instructors
2 SDA Reports
SDA Staff Service
COS/RCLS/AFIADL13
CAPF 52-4
C/ColComprehensive Leadership Exam on Ch.1 to Ch. 15
Comprehensive AE Exam
Moral Leadership Essay


Webmaster: C/
SSgt Davis
Feedback Form